by Peter Scherer (Images: Paul Lynch Photography)

On paper Blyth Spartans should have been a comfortable win for Mickleover, with only two wins under their belt all season and none at all since we beat them 4-0 at the Don Amott Arena in September, but it proved to be otherwise.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Brandon Ferron 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Curtis Weston 5-Stefan Galinski 6-Will Atkinson 7-Dylan Edwards 8-Michael Hollingsworth 9-Stuuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Cieron Keane, Toby Smith, Kieran Cooney, Andrew Buah, Josh Carter.

It was a nothing to lose game for Blyth, but a six-pointer for Mickleover, but it was the hosts that posed a threat straight from the kick off.

Hodgson tested Mersin with a shot from the kick off, before Giraud jinked his way into the box on the Mickleover right, with his effort to the near post saved again by Mersin.

Only five minutes in and Mersin’s brilliance was the only thing between Blyth and an opening goal. Giraud once again had the defence tied in knots, sending a ball down the wing to Myers, he then found Hooper  who tested Mersin to the limit.

Two minutes later and Hodgson was heading goalwards again, but Galinski managed to intercept. But then a low free kick from Blyth’s Briggs after 14 minutes was saved once more by Mersin, before Hodgson’s second attempt was intercepted again.

There had been little in the way of attacks or creativity from Mickleover and after 20 minutes there was another blow when Atkinson and Hodgson collided and both had to be substituted, Brown coming on for Atkinson and Richardson for Hodgson.

It was 25 minutes before Mickleover really had a shot, when Dales attempt from outside the box was easily saved by Basey.

Three minutes later Dales was pressing again, but his effort went across the face of the Blyth goal and was deflected out for a corner, with a following header ending the brief attack with a goal kick.

Barnes then tried a run at the defence, earned another corner which was taken short and resulted in a break for Blyth again.

Mickleover had begun to show some urgency that had been completely lacking, and Dales had another effort just wide, which was then followed by another Mickleover corner.

Blyth were still on top possession wise, with Myers shooting well over the bar after another break. But Dales picked up another interception only to find his way blocked by Oliver.

36 minutes in and Dales led another counter attack following a Blyth free kick. He battled through the defence and found Edwards in the middle, who made no mistake in planting the ball firmly passed Basey to make in 1-0.

Following the goal Ferron, Barnes, Dales and Wilson started a nice move, only for the final pass aimed for Edwards to out of play.

Dales and Ferron had started working well together, but Blyth continued to be a threat on the break, with Giraud again the dangerman, heading just wide from a Doherty cross.

Barnes then led another counter after working with Ferron and Beavon, but that ended with a free kick to our hosts.

Dales then collected a nice flick from Barnes, but the defence had it covered and made another break. They earned another corner headed clear by Galinski, before Mersin was forced to punch away the follow up.

Dales had two more shots before the half time whistle, one saved by Basey and one over the bar, but Mickleover could count themselves lucky to going in 1-0 up after the first 45.

Whereas Blyth came out of the blocks fighting in the second half, Mickleover seemed half asleep and it soon cost them dearly again. 

Just two minutes into the half Giraud cut in from the right and beat Mersin on his far post 1-1. There was nearly a second for the hosts just two minutes further on, when Giraud cut inside to find sub Aitken, but his final shot was just wide.

Every time Giraud had the ball Sports looked vulnerable, but after 51 minutes it was Briggs testing Mersin again. His distance shot was heading for the top corner, until the Mickleover keeper tipped it over at full stretch.

Aitken was close again after 55 minutes, but he just failed to connect with a Doherty cross as it passed the face of the goal.

With Mickleover still struggling to get in the game it came as no surprise that three minutes later Blyth finally had the lead they had threatened throughout. It was Aitken again charging in from the right, taking his chance well and leaving little chance for Mersin, 1-2.

On the hour mark Edwards and Hollingsworth showed possible signs of a move which came to nought and then Buah and Smith came on for Edwards and Ferron.

Having gone a goal down Mickleover started to wake-up into the final 30 minutes. They won a free kick, worked well initially by Wilson and Dales, finding Weston and Beavon close in, but that soon fizzled out before a shot was made.

But despite looking for only their third win of the season, Blyth continued to seek to increase their lead. Richardson managed to slice through the defence after 68 minutes to find Doherty, but his shot was well over the bar.

Barnes had a shot deflected for a corner after 71 minutes and then three minutes later his shot was saved by Basey off the bar.

The hosts were packing the defence and had all 11 players back for a Mickleover free kick. Wilson’s kick beat the wall, but was wide of the goal too.

Sports made their final substitution after 78 minutes when Carter came on for Beavon, but in the final 15 minutes the home defence, despite looking shaky at times, held on for the win, with Mickleover’s efforts once again proving to be too little too late.

 

by Peter Scherer

On Saturday Mickleover face the long trip to Blyth Spartans for a must win game. Blyth have struggled from the word go this season, with just two wins under their belt away at Stockton and at home to Workington for their efforts.

Behind the scenes turmoil for the famous club haven’t helped their on field performances. Their Cup runs are legendary having reached the FA Cup fifth round in 1977/78 beating Enfield, Chesterfield and Stoke City, before eventually losing to Wrexham in a replay at St.James’ Park.

When our hosts came to the Don Amott Arena earlier this season, we were 4-0 winners, with goals from Stuart Beavon, Dylan Edwards, Marcus Barnes and Jahvan Davidson-Miller.

Since that date Blyth have been winless, while Mickleover have managed to take three points from Macclesfield and Basford, with both clubs having a fairly constant turnover of players as they seek a winning a blend.

Their third manager this season, Mick Connor has been in charge at Croft Park since November, after spending 16 years managing neighbours Blyth Town, during which time they gained six promotions.

Having used at least four goalkeepers this season, it’s not sure who will between the sticks this weekend. Ollie Basey came from Gateshead on loan, but now is dual registered. An ex Sunderland and Birmingham City youngster, he was loaned to Barwell, Hednesford and Welsh Aberystwyth Town, before going to Gateshead on his release in August 2024.

Adam Richardson is also on loan from Sunderland, having also had spells at Guiseley and Hebburn. He’s a former England Under 15,17 and 18 International too.

But Matt Bancroft has been the most recent choice, having arrived on a dual registration from Scarborough earlier this month. He has also played for Billingham and Ossett Utd.

Centre back Greg Halford is a former England Under 20 International, with well over 500 league appearances under his belt in every division, having played throughout England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

He arrived at Croft Park in September, having started his career at Braintree, before joining Colchester Utd. After a spell at Reading he moved to Sunderland, who loaned him to Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Utd, before a move to Wolves in 2009.

Portsmouth was his next stop after an initial loan, before a move to Nottingham Forest in 2012. He spent three years at Forest, including a loan at Brighton, before moving onto Rotherham, Cardiff and Aberdeen.

Southend Utd and Waterford followed, before joining Billericay. It was then two years at Hashtag Utd, before starting this season at Bishop Stortford.

Fellow centre back Ben Milburn was a pre-season arrival, but it’s his second spell with our hosts. Chester Le Street and Carlisle Utd Park View were his junior clubs, before coming to Blyth in August 2021. After a loans at Whickham and North Shields he joined Consett in August 2022, before returning to Blyth.

Joe Oliver is a right back and former Newcastle Utd Junior, who is in his third season with our hosts, after arriving in August 2023.

Former Middlesbrough and Rotherham Junior Joel Holvey made one league appearance before coming to our hosts pre-season. A left back he went out on loan to Gainsborough Trinity too last season.

Paddy Almond only arrived from Ashington on New Years Day. A former Sunderland Junior centre back he was loaned to Blyth in 2022, but joined Shildon on his release. After a further loan at Darlington he joined Whitley Bay, before joining Ashington at the start of this season.

Dan Myers is a centre back on loan from Spennymoor Town. Having started his youth football at Spennymoor, he moved around the North East, with spells at Crook Town, Newton Aycliffe and Marske Utd. He then made the return trip to Spennymoor January last year.

Another loanee and another centre back, Brian Fell came out of Sunderland’s Academy. He spent nearly three years at AFC Blyth before joining Gateshead and after starting the season on loan at Workington, he joined our hosts in November until the end of the season.

Club captain Nicky Deverdics is in his fourth season at the club, since arriving from Gateshead in July 2021. A central midfielder, he has played in League Two, Scotland and Europe, after starting out at Newcastle Utd.

He was at Bedlington Terriers before heading to Gretna and Barnet, before his first spell at Blyth in 2010. After nine months he went to Iceland, returning to the UK with Alfreton after two seasons.

He then moved to TB Tvoroyri in the Faroe Islands for a short stay, before moving back to the UK again with Tadcaster. Dover Athletic was his next stop, before going to Hartlepool, who loaned him to back to Dover, before a move to Wrexham, preceded his Gateshead stay.

Matt Ridley has been captaining the side in Deverdics absence. A centre back who started at Darlington and played for Billingham and Chester Le Street before crossing the Atlantic.

During a 3 ½ year stay he played for Lander Bearcats, Richard Bland College and University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels, before joining Whitby Town on his return to the Uk. He was then loaned to Consett and Guisborough before a move to Sutton Utd. They also loaned him to Chesham Utd, before coming to Blyth last month following his release.

Billy Gordon is a central midfielder, having arrived from York City at the beginning of last season. His is the clubs leading scorer this season with five.

Alfie Doherty is a midfielder too, on loan from Whitby. He was previously at Middlesbrough’s Academy.

Hartlepool loanee midfielder Max Storey came on a season long loan back in August, his first spell away from his host club.

Will Constantin also came on loan from Gateshead in November and is now on a dual registration. A midfielder, he has also played for Consett, West Auckland and Ashington.

Striker Mitch Curry came through the junior ranks at Middlesbrough. He had loans at Harrogate, Inverness Caledonian and Gateshead before moving to Sunderland.

He then went to the US in 2021, firstly with Fort Lauderdale, then Inter Miami and Hartford, before returning to the UK two years later with Darlington. He was another pre-season signing for our hosts.

Fellow striker Harry Gardiner started out at South Shields before moving to Sunderland. He was then loaned back to South Shields, before his loan spell at Blyth at the end last season, became permanent during pre-season.

Midfielder Charlie Aitken is the son of former goalkeeping coach Ian. He has come through the junior ranks and joined the first team squad at the start of last season and has spent time at Whickham on a dual registration too.

Zach Simpson is another home-grown talent. A midfielder too, he has played at New Hartley Juniors and Newcastle Blue Star.

Central midfielder Dean Briggs came from Bishop Auckland in early December. He started out with Gateshead, before moving to Australia with Holland Park Hawks and Peninsula Power. He came back to the UK in July 2020 with Ashington and was at Hebburn Town last season, before starting this term at Bishop Auckland.

Midfielder Shay Richardson arrived in November too, from Heaton Stannington. He was previously at Consett and has played for Whickham too.

Striker Sam Hodgson came from South Shields in January 2023, initially on loan. But returned last November on a permanent move.

With over a 100 League One and Two games under his belt, striker JJ Hooper has recently returned to our hosts. A former England C International, he moved from Cray Wanderers to Newcastle Utd, who then loaned him out to Darlington and Workington. 

He then went to Northampton Town, with loans at Alfreton and Farnborough following, before a year at Waterlooville preceded two years at Port Vale, playing 51 games and scoring 10 goals.

A brief spell back at Northampton was followed by Grimsby, Bromley, Wrexham, Barnet, South Shields and Gloucester City, before joining Blyth at the end of last season. He started this season at Spennymoor but returned to Blyth again in November.

French striker Cyril Giraud arrived in November, after spending a couple of months at Bishop Auckland. He also played for Ashington, West Allotment Celtic, Thornaby, Consett and Newcastle Benfield, after leaving French League Two side Chateauroux to study in the North East.

Joe Dixon is another striker that arrived from Northallerton in November too., and finally Joe Thompson is another young striker, arriving just last week from Heaton Stannington, he made his first start in their defeat to Ashton last Tuesday.

Kick off is 3pm and sometimes there is a live commentary via the clubs website, but this is not guaranteed.

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

A double strike from the visiting Warrington Rylands in the first half, ended any hopes Mickleover had of extending their unbeaten run. Finally gong down 1-1 after a late penalty from Dylan Edwards.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Kieran Brown 3-Jake Bennett 4-Ryan Wilson 5-Will Atkinson 6-Danny Benson 7-Andy Dales 8-Curtis Weston 9-Wealth Da Silva 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Brandon Ferron. Subs: Dylan Edwards, Stefan Galinski, Josh Carter, Michael Hollingsworth, Gabby Adebambo.

In a fairly lively start, Rylands were the first to get a shot in, when Ben Hardcastle shot wide from a Jake Daniels cross after five minutes. 

Four minutes later Ferron made ground on the wing in Sports first real attack, but as he fired his cross in, Matty Regan intercepted. But Alex Kiwomya then broke for the visitors, but his cross was intercepted too as Weston and Benson combined to halt any threat.

Ferron continued to progress, but as he was poised to shoot 11 minutes in, his path was cut off as he earned a corner.

Mickleover then a few minutes of more positivity in attack. On the 15^th minute mark Dales successfully dummied the defence and had a nice one-two with Beavon, before Beavon earned a corner. The it was Beavon again two minutes later, finding Brown on the edge of the box. His first time shot however was just wide of the right-hand post.

The visitors quickly responded again and when Daniels crossed after 20 minutes, but Ferron intercepted. Just a minute Hardcastle’s swinging cross found Regan at the far post and his low header had Mersin beaten, 0-1.

Bennett then went down injured and had to be replaced by Edwards.

There was another chance for the visitors on the half hour, but Brown made sure Kiwomya’s progress was ended as he looked to the far post too.

Mickleover were struggling to be creative, as Rylands continued to hold the upperhand, but after 34 minutes Edwards did manage to get another cross into the box, but there was no one there to receive it.

Edwards had another shot blocked by Smith, before the visitors had the ball in the net again 40 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Mersin.

It wasn’t long before the visitors did get their second in time added on. Mersin had saved well from a Hardcastle fee kick, but Kiwomya was quickest off the mark, picked up the free ball and fired it home as we reached half time 0-2.

“We need to get the basics right and we were nowhere near that, very frustrating,” said Manager Gareth Holmes.

Rylands started the second half the stronger too, when Kiwomya’s pace sent in a dangerous cross after 49 minutes , but Waring fired his shot well over the bar.

Daniels then had another effort just wide for Rylands five minutes later, before Mersin tipped a  following effort around the post.

Just before the hour mark Galinski and Adebambo came on for Ferron and Da Silva, before Burton tried his luck for the visitors only to be cut out by Atkinson.

Adebambo had added some pace to midfield and 65 minutes in his powerful shot whistled just wide of the left-hand post, but Mersin then had to be quick off his line too, to save a close range shot from Kiwomya.

Over the final 20 minutes Mickleover began to improve, starting with Dales effort palmed down by visiting keeper Luke Pilling.

Adebambo then squared the ball to Edwards, although the striker was able to turn and shoot, it was still just wide and one the best chances for Mickleover. After Adebambo took a knock, he was then replaced by Hollingsworth with 11 minutes left on the clock.

A long clearance then found Burton the clear, and he forced Mersin into another save. But time was running out when Dales was brought down by Harrison Hopper and a penalty awarded. Edwards stepped up to make it 1-2, but the final whistle soon followed and ended Mickleover’s hopes of climbing the table.

The damage was done in the first half, I wanted a reaction in the second half and the lads gave me that. We had more energy and a more competitive nature, but it was too little too late

Holmes concluded.

by Peter Scherer

It’s NPL league action on Saturday, when 14th in the table Warrington Rylands visit the Don Amott Arena.

Mickleover will be hoping to add to the form which has left them with four points from the last six, having added both Michael Hollingsworth and Amarn Robinson to the squad since our home win over Basford on January 7th.

Manager Neil Reynolds has been in charge at Rylands since September, having previously managed FC United of Manchester for six years and Bamber Bridge.

They have the privilege of fielding an unchanged side for the last five games and have drawn five of their last 10 games. Their last win was at home to Hyde Utd on Boxing Day, but have been undefeated since losing 0-1 to Ilkeston at the end of November.

Back in early October Sports visited Warrington and came home with a 2-2 draw with goals from Stuart Beavon and Andy Dales.

Goalkeeper Luke Pilling has played for Wales at Under 17,19,20 and 21 and arrived from Telford in January 2023. He started out at Tranmere, who loaned him to Ashton Utd, before going to Notts County on his release. His next stop was Stafford Rangers, before spending a year at Telford.

Centre back and captain James Neild started off at Curzon Ashton, before moving on to Hyde Utd and New Mills. He came to Rylands in January 2022, after 16 months at Trafford.

Fellow centre back Matty Regan played for England at Under 16,17& 18 levels. A former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest youngster, he joined Tamworth on his release, who loaned him to Hednesford and Worcester City before he moved on to Stalybridge.

Next stop was Curzon Ashton, followed by Ashton Utd, Farsley Celtic and Warrington. He then spent another year at Ashton Utd, before joining our visitors at the start of last season.

Left back Dylan Dwyer was a pre-season signing, following his release from Wigan Athletic. He also played for Fleetwood, The New Saints and Tranmere, before joining Wigan in August 2022.

Clive Smith is a right back capped at under 17 & 19 levels for Wales. He started at Preston North, who loaned him to St.Johnstone, before a permanent move to Southport. Droylsden, Atherton and FC United followed, before he returned to Atherton in September 2022. He has been with our visitors since July 2023.

Right back James Baillie played his junior football at Crewe Alexandra, who loaned him to Nantwich, before joining Curzon Ashton. He has played for Warrington too and joined Rylands at the start of last season from Ashton Utd.

Dean Furman has 55 caps for South Africa under his belt. A central midfielder, he started at Radlett before joining Chelsea. He was loaned to Glasgow Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers, before going back to South Africa with SuperSport Utd

After returning to the UK with Carlisle, he was at Altrincham, before joining Rylands in August 2022 and has well over 400 senior games under his belt.

Ben Hough is another central midfielder. He started at Oldham Athletic and played for Warrington and Ashton too, before joining our visitors in July 2023.

Striker Ntumba Masanka was a pre-season arrival. He played junior football with both Manchester United and City, before a move to Burnley. Loans at York City, Morecambe, Wrexham, Dover Athletic and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium followed, before going to Chorley following his release.

He then moved to ASD Angelana in Italy, before joining South Shields on his UK return. He had more loans at Stalybridge, Boston Utd and Stafford, before he signed for Macclesfield. Six months with Digenis Akritas Morfou in Cyprus followed, before ending last season back at Stalybridge.

Midfielder Ben Hardcastle signed from Atherton Collieries in summer of 2023. He originally joined Colls in 2014 from neighbours Atherton LR before going Ashton United in December 2019.

Harrison Hopper is a central midfielder, who played his junior football at Leeds United and Barnsley. He then moved on to Rochdale and was loaned out to Colne, before joining York City following his release. His next stop was Bradford Park Avenue, from where he joined Rylands in October.

Right back Scott Holding arrived in October too from Macclesfield. A former Manchester Utd and Stockport County Academy player, he moved to Watford in July 2022. After loans at Stalybridge and Dover Athletic, he started this season at Macclesfield, but moved to Rylands after another loan spell at Wythenshawe.

George Waring is a striker that started out at Everton. He then spent four years with Stoke City, who loaned him to Barnsley, Oxford Utd, Shrewsbury and Carlisle Utd, before he joined Tranmere Rovers following his release. Further loans at Halifax and Kidderminster followed, before a permanent move to Chester. Curzon Ashton was his next stop, but after initial loan with our visitors, he made his stay permanent in November.

Jake Burton is another striker, signed at the start of this season from Chester. He started at Tranmere, who loaned him to Stalybridge and Marine, before moving to Chester in July 2023. After loans back at Marine and Bootle, he made his move to Rylands.

Former Bolton Wanderers Junior left back Cole Lonsdale was another October signing from Nantwich. He started out with Bolton Wanderers and joined FC United when he was released. After spells at Workington and Clitheroe, he joined Ashton Utd, who loaned him to Stalybridge. He moved to Nantwich at the start of this season.

Left winger Jake Daniels is on loan from Blackpool. He has also been loaned out to Bamber Bridge and Bradford Park Avenue.

Alex Kiwomya is a winger capped by England at Under16,17,18 and 19 levels. Chelsea signed him from Rotherham in 2015 and loaned him to Barnsley, Fleetwood and Crewe Alexandra, where he played 39 games in Leagues One and Two scoring seven goals.

He joined Doncaster Rovers after his release, and was loaned to Chesterfield and Chorley, before making his Chesterfield move permanent after a trial with Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey. After a spell at Kings Lynn he went to Gibraltar with Bruno’s Magpies, but returned to the UK with Macclesfield and played for Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge and Farsley Celtic before joining Rylands in October.

Scott Bakkor is a well-travelled striker, after starting out at Skelmersdale. Colwyn Bay, Warrington, Curzon Ashton, Marine, Witton Albion and Stalybrdge were all on his CV before he first joined our visitors in February 2022.

After spells at Atherton Collieries and Guiseley he returned in July 2023, but soon moved on again to St.Albans City and Western Suburbs in Australia and returned to Rylands once more in November.

Fellow striker Jack Hindle is well-travelled too. He arrived from Werribee City in Australia, after starting his career at Radcliffe. After a spell at Colwyn Bay he spent three years at Barrow, including loans at Gateshead and South Shields. Kelantan in Malaysia was his next port of call.

After a year away he made his UK return with Matlock and returned to Radcliffe and Flint Town before coming to Rylands in March 2023. Peninsula Power in Australia were next, before a spell in Italy with Gioiese and his latest stint back in Australia.

Midfielder Ashley Leather made his debut in November, having signed from Alsager Town. He was previously dual registered with Stalybidge Celtic.

Also debutants in their recent Liverpool Senior Cup win over South Liverpool, Charlie Martin, defender Joshua Davies and Blackpool loanee striker Taylor Bowen made their debuts. Bowen previously had a loan at Runcorn Linnets.

Kick off is 3pm, with the usual refreshments facilities available.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed Nottingham Forest Academy striker Amarn Robinson on a youth loan.

Th 18 year old started his career at West Bromwich Albion, before moving to Forest in July 2023. He had brief spell at Northwich too, in the Midland League Premier Division just before Christmas.

He started his stay at the Don Amott Arena in the best possible way, scoring two goals in the 4-1 win over Clay Cross Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

by Peter Scherer

Two second half goals from loanee debutant Amarn Robinson made it a 4-1 win against Clay Cross Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup, and secures Mickleover a place in the semi finals.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Ryan Wilson 5-Stefan Galinski 6-Danny Benson 7-Andy Dales 8-Michael Hollingsworth 9-Dylan Edwards 10-Gabby Adebambo 11-Andrew Buah. Subs: Will Atkinson, Toby Smith, Josh Carter, Stuart Beavon, Amarn Robinson.

The opening five minutes were even, but showed Clay Cross’s intention to push forward, giving Mersin some routine action in the Mickleover goal.

Mickleover had their first shot after eight minutes, after Bennett had found Buah on the right, and his cross earned a corner, from which Wilson’s strike was comfortably saved by visiting keeper Charlie Dando.

But four minutes later a positive break from Clay Cross on the right, ended when the cross was just short of connecting with the chasing striker.

Over the next five minutes it was the visitors trying their luck again, firstly from just outside the box, which was an easy save for Mersin, followed by a wild effort both high and wide.

Possession wise it was the visitors on top, but Ferron made a run down the left after 17 minutes, before Adebambo’s cross fell just short of connecting with Edwards. Dales tried his luck too shooting over the bar after cutting in from the left.

Buah had the ball in the net 24 minutes in, but was flagged offside. Clay Cross’s response was immediate though, as they hit the bar from outside the box.

Ferron had another overlap on the left intercepted, but Galinski and Benson were kept busy by the Clay Cross attacks, with Mersin saving again after 28 minutes, earning the visitors a corner.

The tide finally turned just after the half hour mark, when a good build up on the left for Mickleover found Edwards in the box, who poked the ball home from close range, 1-0.

Buah almost connected with Edwards after 40 minutes, but his cross on the left was too high for the striker to connect and rolled out for a goal kick.

Ferron had a good shot saved a minute later, after creating his own space, but Clay Cross’s response was another shot just wide, followed by another attempt almost skimming the right-hand post.

But with a minute of normal time before half-time, the visitors made it 1-1and not undeserved. It was a clumsy foul just inside the box and the ref pointed straight to the penalty spot. Leading scorer Duggan stepped up and gave Mersin no chance.

Beavon replaced Hollingsworth for the second half and only two minutes in, Edwards should have made it two. But after doing the hard work to outpace the defence, his shot was wide of the right-hand post with the keeper committed.

Mickleover were starting to gain more possession, but the visitors continued to look threatening on the break. In the 53rd minute Dales cut inside from the left, but his effort to find Edwards just failed, before Ferron went through cutting in from the left too, and forced Dando into another save.

Duggan had another chance for Clay Cross but it was straight at Mersin, but Mickleover then made another change with loanee Robinson on for Edwards.

Sports earned two consecutive free kicks on the hour mark, before Ferron’s run earned a corner. There was a scramble in the crowded box, but Robinson had enough room to poke the ball home from close range and make it 2-1.

Dales then outpaced the defence on the left and found Robinson with his cross, but the young striker’s effort was well over the bar, as Clay Cross started to flag and tended to try random shots well off target.

Atkinson and Carter came on for Buah and Galinski and Carter was straight in the action. His long run down the right left him with an option to shoot, but he squared it for Robinson, but the pass was too long and Dales followed up with a shot just over.

It was all Mickleover into the final quarter and after a Beavon header had found Dales again, his shot was blocked and Adebambo earned a corner.

But after 79 minutes Mickleover struck again. Mersin’s long kick found Beavon on the halfway line, and he slotted the ball through to find Robinson having already outpaced the defence. With keeper Dando advancing, he placed the ball neatly into the right-hand corner, 3-1.

Only two minutes later Dales was free to take a fine solo run, taking it around the keeper to make it 4-1.

Smith then replaced Bennett for the final seven minutes, but Clay Cross were still on the attack when possible and forced Mersin into an 86th minute save with his feet.

After a couple of corners for Mickleover it was into time added on, but Smith went on a final run down the right and his strike hit the post, before Carter’s rebound was blocked.

In the end it was a comfortable win for Mickleover but it was easy to see why Clay Coss are dominating the United Counties League Division One in Step 6 of the football ladder.

 

by Peter Scherer

With Saturday’s visit to Worksop Town in the NPL falling victim to the wintry weather, focus now looks to Tuesday night, when Mickleover are due to travel to Clay Cross Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

Our hosts are currently second in the United Counties League Division One, with just two defeats this season and a plus 44 goal difference.

They should have hosting Whitchurch Alport in the FA Vase last Saturday, but that fell to the weather too.

Most of this seasons goals have come from striker Ross Duggan and midfielder Ahmed Tahar, bot having joined Clay Cross from Parkgate. They have both played for AFC Mansfield too, while Duggan lists Yorkshire Amateur, Maltby Main, Belper Town, Handsworth and Ossett Utd and Tahar, Carlton among their former clubs too.

Goalkeeper Charlie Dando has a good record so far this season, while midfielder Ashley Grayson played for Mickleover in 2013/14 and has also played for Carlton, Tamworth, AFC Mansfield, Chasetown, Basford, Sheffield and Shirebrook too.

Carlton Carty is a winger and another ex Parkgate player. He’s played for Shirebrook, Dearne & District and Ecclesfield Rose.

Midfielders Lewis and Nathan Murr are former Rotherham Juniors, Nathan has also played in Sweden for Ytterhogdals IK, Larne FC in Ireland, San Roque Cadiz in Spain and Buno’s Magpies in Gibraltar, before joining Ollerton on his UK return.

Defender Jobe Shaw used to be at Clipstone, Sheffield FC and Shepshed Dynamo after starting off with Mansfield Town. He was previously Sherwood Colliery captain before joining our hosts.

Other regular starters through the season so far have been, George Morris, Lewis Macaskill and Reece Clegg, with Ashley Banner, Harry Lewis, Bailey Morgan, Raife Poplar, Liam Vardy, Jack Warner and Jake Johnson also regular squad members.

Weather permitting kick off is 7.45pm.

by Peter Scherer

Off the back of two clean sheets and Tuesday night’s last gasp victory over Basford Utd, Mickleover head for promotion hopefuls Worksop Town on Saturday.

Currently third in the table, our hosts were 0-4 winners when they paid us a visit earlier this season. They have won five of their last 10 league games, after being 4-1 winners in their last home again against Gainsborough, they went down 1-3 at Macclesfield last weekend.

Manager Craig Parry earned his side promotion last season and are still looking possible play-off contendersthis term too.

In his playing days Parry was a goalkeeper at Barnsley and previously managed Pontefract.

Tommy Taylor is currently first choice goalkeeper.  He was a junior at Sheffield Wednesday, before joining Garforth on his release. Spells at Halifax, Brighouse, Scarborough and Buxton, before he came to Worksop pre-season, after three seasons at Darlington.

His deputy is Seb Malkowski, a former Poland International who started his career with Wisla Tczew, before moving to Olimpia Sztum, Lechia Gdansk, Bytovia Bytow and Zawisza.

He first came to the UK with Frickley in 2015, before taking a two-year break. He then signed for Boston Utd, before spells at Belper Town and Pontefract, before coming to Worksop in July 2020.

Centre back and captain Hamza Bencherif is an Algerian Under 20 International. He came to Nottingham Forest as youngster from EA Guincamp and was loaned to Lincoln City, before joining Macclesfield on his release.

He returned to Nottingham with Notts County, moving on two years later to Plymouth Argyle. JS Kabylie in Algeria was his next stop, before rejoining Lincoln on his UK return. Spells at Halifax, Wrexham and York City followed, before a three-year stay at Guiseley preceded his July 2022 move to our hosts, with over 100 appearances made in league one and two.

Fellow centre back Luke Shiels was a pre-season arrival from Buxton, having previously spent four years with Boston Utd. He has also played for Alfreton Town and Harrogate Town.

Charlie Winfield is a young left back who was signed in pre-season, after his release from Barnsley. During his time at Oakwell he was also loaned to Esbjerg in Denmark, Alfreton and Darlington.

Josh Wilde is a left back too, having just started his third season at the club since signing from Alfreton. He started out at Sheffield Wednesday, before spending two years at Buxton after his release. Gainsborough and North Ferriby were his next stops. He then had two years at Halifax, before a four year stay at Alfreton.

Right back Regan Hutchinson is another longer serving player, having come from Farsley Celtic in August 2022. He was initially at Rotherham, before a two-year stay with Chesterfield, during which time he was loaned out to Sheffield FC, before a permanent move to Guiseley.

Terry Hawkridge is a right sided midfielder signed from Matlock in July 2022. He played his junior football at Barnsley and Tranmere, before joining Carlton Town on his release. After spells at Hucknall and Gainsborough, he joined Scunthorpe Utd who loaned him to Mansfield and Lincoln City, before a permanent move to the Imps.

After two years at Notts County he joined Solihull Moors, later moving on to Boston Utd, Basford and finally Matlock in July 2022. He has almost a 100 games in leagues one and two on his CV too.

Attacking midfielder Liam Hughes has played in League Two and the Scottish Premiership, after starting his career at Scunthorpe. His first move was to Cambridge Utd, before spending five months with Inverness Caledonian.

He came back to England with Barrow, and has played for Guiseley, Billericay, Darlington, Gainsborough, Stratford,Bradford Park Avenue, Frickley, Matlock and on loan at Kettering. He came to Worksop from Causeway Lane in July 2022.

Dan Bramall is a right sided midfielder, who was at Chesterfield, before Everton picked him up. He went to Matlock too following his release, but then joined Barnsley after a short spell at Buxton.

After a loan at Barrow, he went to Ireland with Ballymena Utd, returning to England with Scarborough a year later. Caroline Springs George Cross in Australia was his next port of call, before joining Worksop pre-season.

Attacking midfielder Luke Hall played for England as an Under 15. He was a junior with Sheffield Wednesday, before going to Sheffield FC on his release. He was loaned out to Guiseley and Matlock, before leaving permanently to join Worksop in July 2022.

Player coach Ben Tomlinson is Worksop through and through, having started his career as a young striker in their junior sides. He moved on to Macclesfield, Alfreton, Lincoln City and Barnet, before being loaned out to Tranmere and Barrow.

His next stop was Carlisle Utd, followed by Halifax and a return to Alfreton. He has been back at Worksop almost four years, following a short stop at Frickley and made over 30 appearances in League Two.

Fellow striker Jordan Burrow came from Buxton in December 2023 and has League One and Two experience, after starting out at Chesterfield. He joined Morecambe after a loan spell at Boston Utd, before spending a season each at Stevenage, Lincon City and Halifax.

Gateshead and York City followed, before returning to Boston Utd, moving to Buxton three years later.

Jay Rollins is another striker who came from Boston Utd in July 2022, where he had been for seven years. He started at Askern and has played for Armthorpe too.

Young Ukrainian winger Rostlav Yaramenko was signed in July 2023 from Korona in Poland.  He previously played for a number of junior clubs in his native Ukraine.

Sam Wedgbury if a former England C International, with experience in Leagues One and Two. Sheffield Utd signed him from Worcester City back in 2006 and he was loaned out to Mansfield Town and Ferencvaros in Hungary, before going to Macclesfield on his release.

After a loan at Altrincham he moved on via Stevenage, Forest Green, Wrexham, Chesterfield and Buxton and spent a year at Stalybridge before joining Worksop in July 2022.

Latvian midfielder Aleks Starcenko came to Worksop in October 2020. He has played for Frickley, Pontefract and Guisley too.

Fellow midfielder Vaughan Redford followed the management team from Pontefract to Worksop back in early 2022.

Defender Deegan Atherton arrived in 2018 following his release from Rotherham, while young striker Max Eastwood is a product of Worksop’s own youth scheme.

Joe Leesley is a more recent loan signing. A former England C International left back, he started out at Matlock and Alfreton, before spending six years at Harrogate. He was loaned to Stockport, Stevenage and Boston Utd, before the latter became a permanent stay.

After a further loan at Darlington he joined Kidderminster, before a brief stay at Scunthorpe preceded a return to Darlington. He is currently on loan to the end of January.

Mason O’Malley is another left back, who came from Bradford Park Avenue in September. Having started his career at Huddersfield, he then spent four years with Scunthorpe, which included loans a loan spell at Ilkeston, before moving to Bradford PA at the start of last season. A Republic of Ireland Under 19 International, he made 54 League Two appearances.

Striker Aaron Martin came from South Shields at the start of this season. He was a youngster at Sheffield Utd and Barnsley, before moving to Staveley MW, Worksop Parramore and Goole.

After five years with Sheffield FC he moved on to Brighouse and Guiseley, before spending a couple of season at Harrogate. They loaned him to Halifax, before he moved on to Gateshead, moving to South Shields for the start of this term.

Kick off is 3pm at the Windsor Foodservice Stadium.

By Peter Scherer

You could call it a six pointer, but Dylan Edwards’ injury time goal, restored Mickleover to winning ways as Basford Utd visited the Don Amott Arena on a wintry night.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3- Kieran Cooney 4-Curtis Weston 5-Danny Benson 6-Will Atkinson 7-Andy Dales 8-Ryan Wilson 9-Marcus Barnes 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Jamie Soule. Subs: Stefan Galinski, Andrew Buah, Cieron Keane, Dylan Edwards, Brandon Ferron.

With a snow shower just before kick-off and zero temperatures, it was a difficult start for both teams, both desperately seeking points.

It was Mickleover that started with pace and confidence, keeping Basford on the back foot from the start. Just four minutes in and Dales cut in from the left, but fired the first shot of the game just wide of Deeney’s left-hand post.

Two minutes later Wilson’s cross almost found Barnes in the box, but as he slid in Deeney was quick to collect.

Dales soon led another good build up and once again cut inside from the left, but his shot was saved again by Deeney and collected at the second attempt.

A short corner on the left went to waste after 10 minutes, but Mickleover continued to attack the visiting defence, with Bennett sending in a telling cross from the right, before it was cleared.

Basford had a good chance after 15 minutes, when Chambers was left in acres of space, but his rushed shot was well off target and failed to test Mersin.

A minute later Mersin was in action, as he had to tip over a dangerous that had skimmed off Weston’s head. But thefollowing corner was easily dealt with, before Hallam had another shot blocked for the visitors.

Atkinson was not only leading the defensive line, but getting in on the attacks too. His dogged perseverance found Beavon, but the 20th minute shot was saved.

Basford had another distance shot well over the bar two minutes later, before Hallam had another shot blocked.Mickleover then got a break though but Soule’s cross went straight out of play.

As Sports hadn’t been able to maximise their possession advantage, Basford began to grow in confidence, but from both sides many of the passes were going awry in the conditions.

39 minutes gone and a lovely ball down the middle from Weston found Soule, but the curving shot was well off target again.

With half-time approaching, Soule found Dales, his shot was blocked, but the following corner went straight out of play on the other side, so it remained 0-0 after the first 45.

There were no immediate changes for the second half, but Basford started to push forward more, with Mickleover looking for the long ball and breaks.

Dales had a run after 53 minutes, but his pass to Bennett went stray and then Soule, Dales and Beavon were all in the thick of it, but had efforts blocked.

Buah replaced Barnes on the hour, just before Mersin had to make a brave save with his feet to keep Basford at bay.

For a while Mickleover were pegged back in their own half, but the back four of Bennett, Benson, Atkinson and Brown, were coping with everything Basford threw at them.

Sports second sub was made with Edwards on for Soule and Basford started using up their subs too, before having another shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Edwards battled his way into the box after 80 minutes, but had his initial shot and rebound both blocked. Threesuccessive corners followed, with Atkinson heading just wide of the left-hand post.

Mersin easily dealt with a long shot after 85 minutes, before Edwards returned the favour at the other end.

Keane was the third sub when he replaced Beavon, but it was Edwards leading the charge again. He found Buah in the box, but Deeney made the save.

Just when it appeared to be heading for goalless draw, Butterfield attempted a back pass to Deeney, but left the keeper short. Edwards dashed in, outpaced the pursuing defender and carefully slotted the ball beyond the advancing Deeney and it was 1-0.

“It was nice to get that feeling again, as I hadn’t scored for a while. I saw their player was facing the keeper when he passed back, and I chase whenever I come on and just gambled on the shot as the keeper came at me,” said Edwards.

There was barely time for the restart when the final whistle went, so two games unbeaten and two clean sheets, as Mickleover look forward to Saturday’s trip to Worksop.